What's On Blog / Waves Upgrade - Important Update

Published by Baulkham Waves : 05-02-2019

Waves Upgrade - Important Update

What's happening at Waves?

Thank you to all who participated in the May – June 2018 consultations. During this time site meetings with user groups were held to understand usage and requirements. In addition, over 170 ‘Have Your Say’ visitor and community comment cards were received.

High level concept plans, including artist impressions, were used during the May-June 2018 community consultations to stimulate discussion and to seek further feedback regarding user experience and expectation.

Waves will close March 31, 2020 and construction will commence after that.

FAQs

WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW?

Waves currently remains open for business. Council has commenced a request for tender to progress to detailed design.

This design will include greater detail about the inclusions and layout of Waves and will be used in future community consultation.

The successful applicant for the detailed design will be determined in early 2019.

WHAT IS HAPPENING NEXT AND WHEN WILL WAVES CLOSE?

Currently Waves remains open for business and we encourage all our residents to continue to use and enjoy the facility up to its closure. Once a detailed design has been drafted it will be placed on exhibition and community consultation will occur. This feedback will be considered by Council prior to any decision to adopt a final design.

Council will then progress to tender for the construction phase.

We will continue to connect with you on all milestones and key updates – via this Have Your Say page.

WILL THE PROJECT BE STAGED TO ALLOW ONGOING USE OF AT LEAST ONE POOL?

This is unlikely due to the limits of the existing facility and practicality is likely to require the closure of the venue. Existing services will be required to be upgraded as part of the redevelopment.

WHY IS COUNCIL NOT BUILDING ANOTHER AQUATIC CENTRE FIRST BEFORE CLOSING DOWN WAVES?

The current facility is aging and requires renewal.

WILL THE DESIGN INCLUDE SOLAR AND SMART ENERGY TECHNOLOGY?

Yes, the aim is to incorporate energy efficient, sustainable and smart energy features into the designs and operation of the new facility. The type and extent of these technologies have not yet been determined; this will be part of the detailed design.

WHO WILL OPERATE THE FACILITY WHEN IT RE-OPENS?

Waves will remain a community asset. When operational details are determined Council will assess and consider the best management option for the operation of the facility.

WILL THE ROSE GARDEN BE IMPACTED?

No, the rose garden will not be impacted by the final size of the redevelopment. There are no plans to increase the footprint of the current development area into the rose garden.

WILL GREEN SPACE AND TREES BE RETAINED WITHIN THE REDEVELOPMENT?

Yes, green space and trees are an important part of Waves. The detailed design will be required to retain or incorporate as many natural features as possible.

HAVE YOU VISITED OTHER FACILITIES AS PART OF INVESTIGATIONS AND PLANNING?

Yes. Detailed site inspections at other locations helped identify what was working well and noted items that could be improved.

WILL THERE BE A HYDROTHERAPY POOL?

The design needs to consider an overall aquatic centre offer – one that is the most suitable for the diverse range of user groups. At this stage a series of items, including a hydrotherapy pool, are included for consideration. The final design will be the one that is the most suitable.

WILL THERE BE A CAFE?

Yes. A new cafe facility is intended to have dual access by both pool users inside Waves and by external patrons. The location will be determined as part of the detailed design.

WILL LOCKERS BE AVAILABLE?

Yes. The number, type, and location of lockers will be determined as part of the detailed design.

WILL THERE BE A DEDICATED SPACE FOR LANE/LAP SWIMMERS WITH THE NEW POOL?

The plan is to provide additional water space over what is currently available. The final design will determine what is most suitable.

HOW MUCH MORE CAR PARKING WILL BE PROVIDED?

An important design goal is to provide as many car spaces for parking as possible within the Waves redevelopment. The exact number and location will be communicated once final plans are designed.

HOW WILL THIS REDEVELOPMENT BE PAID FOR?

Council will directly fund the Waves redevelopment project. The aim is to manage this public asset to achieve the right balance between community needs and value.

HOW CAN I PROVIDE FEEDBACK?

Consultation with the users of Waves and with the broader community is an essential part of the project. During the project journey Council will share key milestone developments, and invite feedback and comments from the community.

Further updates will be provided throughout this exciting proposal so stay tunned!

News Summary

Council can now confirm that Waves will clise on March 31, 2020. Construction on the new facility will commence after March 31.